“Indigenous knowledge, culture and traditional practices contributes to sustainable and equitable development and proper management of the environment.”
Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, The United Nations Commission on Human Rights
Deforestation
“Indigenous peoples have the right to own, develop, control and use the lands and territories, including the total environment of the lands, air, waters, coastal seas, flora and fauna and other resources which they have traditionally owned otherwise occupied or used. This includes the right to the full recognition of their laws, traditions and customs, land-tenure systems, and institutions for the development and management of resources, and the right to effective measures by States to prevent any interference with, alienation of or encroachment upon these rights. “
